Mac Jones, QB: Young Mac showed well for himself against the Super Bowl Champs, throwing two touchdowns to one interception as the quarterback continues to progress. Jones is completing 70 percent of his passes through four games but the Texans defense, led by defensive coordinator Lovie Smith, ranks in the top-10 in DVOA despite Houston's 1-3 record. They'll present another new and unique challenge for Jones.

Jakobi Meyers, WR: Meyers continues to stand out for the Patriots, leading the team with 27 catches and completing two more big passes against the Buccaneers as his arm has been a useful tool for Josh McDaniels. The third-year receiver has been the most consistent player on offense, as he has 85 catches in his last 15 games and has developed into a reliable offensive threat.

Damien Harris, RB: There's been a lot on Harris' plate this season, as injuries and ball security issues have thinned running back availability. Through four games, Harris has 172 yards on 49 carries for a 3.5 yards-per-attempt against some tough run defenses. Both Tampa and New Orleans are in the top-five, but Houston has one of the worst run defenses in the league, ranking 28th in rushing yards allowed and 31st in DVOA. Getting Harris going against the Texans should be a big key this week.

J.C. Jackson, CB: Brandin Cooks stands alone as the Texans most lethal passing game threat with 20 more catches than anyone else on the roster. That means he'll likely draw Jackson in coverage throughout the game, with Jackson coming off a strong performance matching up with Mike Evans. Taking Cooks away, especially deep, will be a huge key for the defense. Jackson will look to continue his hot streak of making plays on the ball.

Matt Judon, LB: Judon has been outstanding since arriving via free agency, leading the Patriots defense in sacks (4.5) and QB hits (8). The Patriots will need another big game from the red-sleeved dude and he should be chasing down rookie quarterback Davis Mills early and often.

Davis Mills, QB: The rookie third-rounder was thrust into the fire when starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor went down with a hamstring injury that landed him on Injured Reserve. Through three appearances and two starts, Mills has thrown two touchdowns and five interceptions while taking eight sacks. The veteran Patriots defense will look to confound the youngster in his third career start.

Brandin Cooks, WR: Cooks stands alone as far as receiving production with 28 catches for 369 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots are well-familiar with what he can do to a defense, with deep speed to spare and a knack for drawing pass interference penalties. They'll need to keep an eye on Cooks.

Mark Ingram, RB: The Patriots have seen Ingram quite a few times over the years and the 31-year-old is now Houston's lead back, though off to a slow start along with the rest of their offensive backfield that includes Phillip Lindsay and David Johnson. Ingram had 85 yards in the opener but has just 12 carries for 45 yards in Mills' two starts. Still, he's a tough back that will test the Patriots defensive front.

Christian Kirskey, LB: Houston's leading tackler is a key player in the middle of Lovie Smith's defense. As the middle linebacker in the Tampa 2 defensive scheme he also had pass coverage responsibilities, especially in the deep seam. The Patriots' tight ends will pose a good challenge for the rangy Kirksey, as New England will look to target him in a variety of ways.

Whitney Mercilus, DE: The Houston veteran leads the Texans with three sacks as he has been their most disruptive pass rusher through four games, also picking up four tackles-for-loss and three quarterback hits. With questions lingering on the edges of the Patriots' offensive line, making sure that Mercilus doesn't blow up their gameplan will be a key point of emphasis.